Panel structures

ABSTRACT

Panel structures are disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the panel structures includes multiple panels, multiple cam receptacles provided on each of at least a portion of the panels and multiple cams provided on each of at least a portion of the panels for interlocking with the respective cam receptacles provided on an adjacent one of the panels. Accordingly, the panels are attached to each other in interlocking fashion to form the panel structure. In some embodiments, selected panels and panel surfaces are provided with bullet-resistant armor for military application.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. Provisional application No. 60/678,778, filed May 9, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to panel structures and more particularly, to modular panel structures having multiple interlocking panels which can be expeditiously assembled into a panel structure for the housing of personnel and/or supplies. In some embodiments blast-resistant members are provided on the respective modular panels for military applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In some circumstances such as the deployment of military installations, for example, it is desirable to set up blast-resistant structures or barriers to house or protect personnel and/or supplies. Frequently, however, these structures or barriers are not able to withstand high-impact shrapnel or high-caliber enemy gunfire or artillery rounds. Furthermore, with the advent of chemical and biological weapons, such structures render military personnel vulnerable to nerve gas, mustard gas, airborne viruses and the like in the event of a chemical or biological weapon attack since the structures typically do not have an airtight construction. Moreover, the structures may be cumbersome and inefficient to transport and set up at a deployment site.

Therefore, panel structures are needed which can be expeditiously assembled from multiple interlocking panels for the housing and protection of personnel and/or supplies. In some embodiments, the panel structures are blast-resistant to protect personnel and/or supplies from penetration by signal flares, artillery, shrapnel and chemical and biological weapons, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally directed to panel structures and in some embodiments, blast-resistant, modular panel structures. An illustrative embodiment of the panel structures includes multiple panels, multiple cam receptacles provided on each of at least a portion of the panels and multiple cams provided on each of at least a portion of the panels for interlocking with the respective cam receptacles provided on an adjacent one of the panels. Accordingly, the panels are attached to each other in interlocking fashion to form the panel structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an assembled panel structure of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a typical wall panel, multiple ones of which are connected in interlocking fashion to form walls of the panel structure illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along section line 3 in FIG. 2, of the wall panel, illustrating multiple fixture mount slots provided in the wall panel for the removable attachment of fixtures to the panel;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view, taken along section line 4 in FIG. 2, of the wall panel;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view, taken along section line 5 in FIG. 2, of the wall panel;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a pair of adjacent wall panels, illustrating the cam element of a cam lock on one of the wall panels detached from a companion cam receptacle on the other wall panel;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the wall panels illustrated in FIG. 6, illustrating the cam on one of the wall panels interlocking with the cam receptacle on the other wall panel;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a pair of wall panels detached from a corner section of the panel structure;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the wall panels interlocking with a typical corner section of the panel structure illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a typical assembled floor of the panel structure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a typical assembled roof of the panel structure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a first type of edge roof panel used to assemble a roof of the panel structure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second type of edge roof panel used to assemble a roof of the panel structure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a typical middle roof panel used to assemble a roof of the panel structure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a typical wall panel;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a typical wall panel;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a cam lock used to connect interlocking panels to each other in the panel structure;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a cam receptacle element of the cam lock illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative illustrative embodiment of a panel structure of this invention;

FIG. 20 is a side view, partially in section, of the panel structure illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line 21 of the panel structure illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a partial longitudinal sectional view, taken along section line 22 of the panel structure illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a pair of gabled roof panels (partially in section), joined by a roof assembly bracket and further illustrating a roof support column and roof support beam supporting the roof panels;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a gabled roof panel (partially in section) and a wall panel (partially in section), illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the roof panel to the wall panel;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of floor panels (partially in section) and a roof support column (partially in section) provided on the floor panels, more particularly illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the floor panels to each other;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a floor panel (partially in section) and a wall panel (partially in section), illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the wall panel to the floor panel;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a wall panel (partially in section) and a door panel (partially in section), illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the wall panel to the door panel;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a wall panel (partially in section) and a window panel (partially in section), illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the window panel to the wall panel;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of wall panels (partially in section) and a corner section, illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the wall panels to the corner section;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of wall panels (partially in section), illustrating a typical cam technique for connecting the wall panels to each other;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to each other, illustrating a typical wiring frame provided on an interior surface of each wall panel, electrical wiring (shown in phantom) extending through the wiring frame, transfer wiring connecting the electrical wiring of one wall panel to the electrical wiring of the adjacent wall panel, and an interior panel connector connecting the wall panels to each other;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged sectional view of the wiring frame, taken along section line 32 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged sectional view of the wiring frame, taken along section line 33 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an interior of the panel structure illustrated in FIG. 19 (with the roof removed from the panel structure), more particularly illustrating multiple storage cabinets and bunk beds provided in the panel structure in one exemplary use of the panel structure; and

FIG. 35 is a sectional view illustrating a pair of interlocking adjacent roof panels of the interlocking panel structure illustrated in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an illustrative embodiment of the panel structure of this invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. Briefly, the panel structure 1 includes multiple floor panels 2 a, 2 b and 2 c; wall panels 3; and roof panels 5 a, 5 b and 5 c which are individually connected to each other in an interlocking fashion to form a floor 56, walls 57 and a roof 58, respectively, of the panel structure 1. As will be hereinafter described, the panel structure 1 may be blast-resistant and fire-resistant to withstand direct or indirect contact by shrapnel, gunfire, artillery rounds and explosives and may further have an airtight construction to prevent infusion of nerve gas, mustard gas and/or biological warfare agents from outside and into the panel structure 1. Therefore, the panel structure 1 is suitable for use as a military barracks to house and protect military personnel and/or supplies, or may be used in any other application in which it is deemed necessary to protect personnel and/or supplies from explosives, gunfire, artillery rounds or projectiles such as signal flares and the like. A window 60 may be provided in one or multiple ones of the wall panels 3, and a door 61 may be provided in another one or multiple ones of the wall panels 3. The assembled panel structure 1 may be supported above the ground by multiple support blocks 62.

Referring next to FIGS. 2-5, 15 and 16 of the drawings, each of the wall panels 3 typically includes a generally elongated, rectangular structural insulated panel 8 (FIGS. 4 and 5) which may be compressed polystyrene, for example. The structural insulated panel 8 is sandwiched between a pair of casing panels 9, each of which is a fire-resistant material. Preferably, each casing panel 9 is an oriented strand board (OSB) material having wood strands which are oriented in parallel relationship to each other in a resin body, although alternative fireproof materials known by those skilled in the art may be used. The casing panels 9 may be attached to the respective surfaces of the structural insulated panel 8 by applying glue between each casing panel 9 and the structural insulated panel 8 and compressing the structural insulated panel 8 between the casing panels 9. A connecting block 11 extends around the perimeter of the structural insulated panel 8 and is sandwiched between outer edge portions of the casing panels 9 which extend beyond the respective edges of the structural insulated panel 8. Fasteners 37 typically extend through fastener openings (not shown) provided in each casing panel 9 and into the connecting block 11 to attach the casing panels 9 to the connecting block 11. The connecting block 11 may be the same or different material as that of the casing panels 9. A finish coating 10 may be provided on the exposed surface of the casing panel 9 that will correspond to the interior surface of the assembled wall 57 (FIG. 1) of the panel structure 1. An example of a material which is suitable for the finish coating 10 is a two-part elastomeric coating available from the L&L Coatings Corporation of Tampa, Fla. A blast-resistant armor 46 is provided on the surface of the opposite casing panel 9 that will correspond to the exterior surface of the wall 57 of the assembled panel structure 1. The blast-resistant armor 46 may be KEVLAR (trademark), DYNEEMA (trademark) or any other suitable blast-resistant material known by those skilled in the art. A water-proof coating 47 is typically provided on the blast-resistant armor 46. An example of a material which is suitable for the water-proof coating 47 is a three-part elastomeric coating which is available from the L&L Coatings Corporation of Tampa, Fla.

As shown in FIG. 2, each wall panel 3 has an upper panel edge 12 a, a lower panel edge 12 b, a first lateral panel edge 12 c and a second lateral panel edge 12 d. A cam lock frame 14 extends along the upper panel edge 12 a, the lower panel edge 12 b and the first lateral panel edge 12 c, whereas a receiver frame 30 extends along the second lateral panel edge 12 d. Each cam lock frame 14 is typically extruded aluminum or other metal and, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, may include a base plate 15 which is attached to the exterior surface of the connecting block 11 which defines the corresponding upper panel edge 12 a, lower panel edge 12 b or side panel edge 12 c of the inner wall panel 4 using glue or other adhesive or technique. Alternatively or additionally, multiple fasteners 37 may be extended through respective fastener openings (not shown) provided in the base plate 15 and in the connecting block 11. A pair of parallel, spaced-apart inner plates 16 extends from the base plate 15, and a pair of outer plates 17 in like manner extends from the base plate 15, outside the inner plates 16 and at the respective lateral edges of the base plate 15. A front plate 18 extends between each outer plate 17 and the adjacent inner plate 16. A slotted plate 23 extends between the inner plates 16 and, with respect to the front plate 18, is recessed toward the base plate 15. A pair of spaced-apart guide flanges 22 extends forwardly from the inner edge of each front plate 18. A gasket groove 19 is recessed in each front plate 18 and extends along substantially the entire length of the cam lock frame 14. A resilient or elastomeric sealing gasket 20, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described, is inserted in each gasket groove 19.

Each receiver frame 30 is typically extruded aluminum or other metal and, as shown in FIG. 5, may include a base plate 31 which is attached to the exterior surface of the connecting block 11 that defines the second lateral panel edge 12 d of the inner wall panel 4 using glue, adhesive or other technique. Alternatively or additionally, multiple fasteners 37 may be extended through respective fastener openings (not shown) provided in the base plate 31 and in the connecting block 11. A pair of parallel, spaced-apart inner plates 33 extends from the base plate 31, and a pair of outer plates 32 in like manner extends from the base plate 31, outside the inner plates 33 and at the respective edges of the base plate 33. A front plate 34 extends between each outer plate 32 and the adjacent inner plate 33. A slotted plate 36 extends between the inner plates 33 and, with respect to the front plate 34, is recessed toward the base plate 31. A sealing slot 35 is recessed in each front plate 34 and extends along the entire length of the receiver frame 30.

Referring next to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 17 and 18 of the drawings, multiple cam locks 38 are provided at selected spacings with respect to each other in each cam lock frame 14. As illustrated in FIG. 17, each cam lock 38 includes a cam lock housing 39, typically shaped in the extruded metal cam lock frame 14. A cam 40 having a cam flange 40 a extending from each surface thereof, is rotatably mounted in the cam lock housing 39. A hex opening 43 extends through the cam lock housing 39 and the center of the cam 40. Accordingly, the cam 40 can be selectively rotated and extended from the cam lock housing 39 by inserting a six-sided cam lock/unlock tool 42 (shown in phantom in FIG. 6) through the aligned cam tool openings 16 a and 17 a in the cam lock frame 14 and the hex opening 43 and rotating the cam lock/unlock tool 42 in the counterclockwise direction (FIG. 17). Conversely, the cam 40 can be selectively rotated back into the cam lock housing 39 by rotating the cam lock/unlock tool 42 in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the cam lock housing 39 of each cam lock is attached to the connecting block 11 with the cam lock frame 14, typically using fasteners 37. When the cam 40 extends from the cam lock housing 39 as shown in FIG. 17, the cam 40 extends through the slotted plate 23 and between the guide flanges 22 of the cam lock frame 14, as shown in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, each cam lock 38 further includes a cam receptacle 41 which is in the receiver frame 30 of the wall panel 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, each cam receptacle 41 has a receptacle interior 41 a and cam lock indentations 44 which extend from opposite sides of the cam receptacle 41 into the receptacle interior 41 a. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each cam receptacle 41 and base plate 31 are attached with the receiver frame 30 to the connecting block 11, typically using fasteners 37. The cam receptacle 41 extends between the inner plates 33 and through the slotted plate 36 of the receiver frame 30. The cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 of one wall panel 3 correspond in position to the respective cams 40 provided along the cam lock frame 14 which extends along the first lateral panel edge 12 c of an adjacent wall panel 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cam lock housing 39 is typically recessed with respect to the front plate 18 of the cam lock frame 14. Furthermore, the cam receptacle 41 typically extends beyond the front plate 34 of the receiver frame 30, to facilitate tight engagement of the respective cam locks 38 and the corresponding cam receptacles 41.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, multiple fixture mount slots 26 may be provided in the cam lock frame 14 in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other on the surface of the wall panel 3 which corresponds to the interior surface of the wall 57 in the assembled panel structure 1. The fixture mount slots 26 extend along at least a portion of the length, and preferably, along the entire length of the cam lock frame 14 which extends along the first lateral panel edge 12 c of the wall panel 3. Accordingly, the fixture mount slots 26 on adjacent wall panels 3 in the assembled panel structure 1 can be used to mount shelves (not shown) and other modular furniture inside the panel structure 1.

Referring next to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, in assembly of the walls 57 of the panel structure 1, as will be hereinafter further described, the receiver frame 30 of one wall panel 3 is initially positioned in adjacent, facing relationship to the cam lock frame 14 of an adjacent wall panel 3, as illustrated in FIG. 6. This places the respective cam receptacles 41, provided at spaced-apart intervals in the receiver frames 30 of one wall panel 3, in substantially aligned or registering relationship to the respective cam locks 38 provided at the same spaced-apart intervals in the corresponding cam frames 14 of the adjacent wall panel 3. The guide flanges 22 of the cam lock frame 14 on one wall panel 3 are then inserted against the inner plates 33 of the receiver frame 30 on the adjacent wall panel 3, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Next, the six-sided cam lock/unlock tool 42 is inserted through the aligned cam tool opening 17 a and cam tool opening 16 a of the cam lock frame 14 (FIG. 4) and through the hex opening 43 (FIG. 18) of the cam lock housing 39. The cam lock/unlock tool 42 is then rotated, typically in the counterclockwise direction to rotate and extend the cam 40 from the cam lock housing 39 and cause engagement of the cam flanges 40 a (FIG. 17) on the cam 40 with the respective cam lock indentations 44 of the cam receptacle 41. Accordingly, due to the recessed configuration of the cam 40 in the cam lock frame 14 and the position of the cam receptacle 41 in the receiver frame 30, the cam 40 tightly engages the cam lock indentations 44 and tightly pulls the receiver frame 30 against the cam lock frame 14. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in the interlocking configuration, the sealing gaskets 20, which are provided on the cam lock frame 14 on opposite sides of the cam 40, tightly engage the respective sealing slots 35 which are provided on the receiver frame 30 on opposite sides of the cam receptacle 41. The sealing gaskets 20 and companion sealing slots 35 provide an airtight seal between the interlocking wall panels 3. Conversely, in disassembly of the wall 57, the cam lock/unlock tool 42 is again inserted through the cam tool opening 17 a and cam tool opening 16 a of the cam lock frame 14 and through the hex opening 43, respectively, and rotated in the opposite, or clockwise direction (FIG. 17) to rotate the cam 40 back into the cam lock housing 39, while disengaging the cam flanges 40 a from the respective cam lock indentations 44 of the cam receptacle 41.

Referring next to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, the panel structure 1 further includes multiple corner sections 50, each of which, in the assembled panel structure 1, joins a pair of wall panels 3 extending in perpendicular relationship with respect to each other at respective corners of the panel structure 1. Each corner section 50 typically includes a normally extruded metal corner section frame 51, having a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration. The corner section frame 51 includes a panel frame 52, typically having a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and a structural insulated panel 8 is provided in the panel frame 52. A sealing slot 35 and sealing slot 35 a pair are provided on each of two adjacent faces of the corner section frame 51 and extend substantially the entire length of the corner section frame 51. Cam receptacles 41 are provided between each sealing slot 35 and sealing slot 35 a pair, at spaced-apart intervals along the length of the corner section frame 51 which correspond to the locations of the respective cams 40 on each of the wall panels 3. The cam receptacles 41 are typically attached to respective adjacent faces of the panel frame 52 using fasteners 37 and/or other suitable technique known to those skilled in the art. A blast-resistant armor 46 covers the exterior surfaces of the corner section frame 51, and a water-proof coating 47 is typically provided on the exterior surface of the blast-resistant armor 46. The cams 40, which are spaced along the cam lock frame 14 of each wall panel 3 as heretofore described, are interlocked with the respective cam receptacles 41 which are likewise spaced along the corner section frame 51 of the corner section 50, typically using the cam lock/unlock tool 42 in the same manner as heretofore described with respect to interlocking of the wall panels 3 with each other in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring next to FIG. 12 of the drawings, one type of edge roof panel 5 a, multiple ones of which can be used to form the roof 58 of the assembled panel structure 1, is illustrated. Each edge roof panel 5 a typically has a generally rectangular configuration and includes a structural insulated panel 8, which is sandwiched between a pair of casing panels 9. A connecting block 11 extends around the perimeter of the structural insulated panel 8. At an upper surface 4 a of the edge roof panel 5 a, the edges of the casing panel 9 extend beyond the respective edges of the structural insulated panel 8 and are attached to the connecting block 11 using glue, fasteners (not shown) and/or other suitable technique known by those skilled in the art. At a lower surface 4 b of the edge roof panel 5 a, one edge of the casing panel 9 is generally coextensive with the edge of the structural insulated panel 8 and the opposite edge of the casing panel 9 is attached to the connecting block 11. A receiver frame 30, having a pair of parallel, longitudinally-extending sealing slots 35, extends along the connecting block 11 of the edge roof panel 5 a, at the lower surface 4 b and adjacent to the exterior edge 4 c of the edge roof panel 5 a. Multiple cam receptacles 41 are provided at spaced-apart intervals with respect to each other along the length of the receiver frame 30. A second receiver frame 30 a, also having a pair of sealing slots 35 and multiple cam receptacles 41 at spaced intervals to each other between the sealing slots 35, is provided in the connecting block 11, at the interior edge 4 d of the edge roof panel 5 a. A sloped or straight roofing insulation panel 54 is provided on the casing panel 9. A blast-resistant armor 46, typically coated with a water-proof coating 47, is typically provided on the sloped roofing insulation panel 54 and defines the upper surface 4 a of the edge roof panel 5 a. A blast-resistant armor 46 also defines the exterior edge 4 c of the edge roof panel 5 a. Although not illustrated in FIG. 12, a cam lock frame 14 and a receiver frame 30 extend along the remaining opposite edges (not illustrated) of the edge roof panel 5 a to facilitate interlocking of adjacent edge roof panels 5 a to each other along each edge of the panel structure 1.

Referring next to FIG. 13 of the drawings, another type of edge roof panel 5 b which is used to assemble the roof 58 of the panel structure 1 is illustrated. The edge roof panel 5 b is similar in construction to the edge roof panel 5 a of FIG. 12, except a cam lock frame 14, rather than a receiver frame 30 a, is provided along the interior edge 4 d of the edge roof panel 5 b. In the assembled panel structure 1, multiple edge roof panels 5 a form one longitudinal edge of the roof 58, whereas multiple edge roof panels 5 b form the opposite longitudinal edge of the roof 58, as will be hereinafter further described. The edge roof panels 5 a and edge roof panels 5 b which form the respective corners of the roof 58 of the assembled panel structure 1 are each typically provided with blast-resistant armor 46 and a water-proof coating 47 on the two perpendicular edges which define the corner edges of the roof 58. Furthermore, each edge roof panel 5 a and edge roof panel 5 b which forms a corresponding corner of the roof 58 is provided with cam receptacles 41 that interlock with the respective cams 40 along the upper edges 12 a of the perpendicular wall panels 3 that form the corresponding corners of the wall 57.

Referring next to FIG. 14 of the drawings, a middle roof panel 5 c which is used in conjunction with the edge roof panels 5 a and edge roof panels 5 b to assemble the roof 58 of the panel structure 1 is illustrated. Each middle roof panel 5 c is similar in construction to the edge roof panel 5 a and the edge roof panel 5 b, except a cam lock frame 14 extends along one interior edge 4 d and a receiver frame 30 extends along the opposite interior edge 4 d of the middle roof panel 5 c. Furthermore, the middle roof panel 5 c lacks a receiver frame 30 on the lower surface 4 b thereof. On the terminal middle roof panels 5 c which are provided at the ends of the assembled roof 58, the exterior edge of each terminal middle roof panel 5 c is typically covered with the blast-resistant armor 46 and water-proof coating 47, instead of having a cam lock frame 14 or receiver frame 30 extending along that edge. Also, the middle roof panels 5 c which lie at the respective ends of the roof 58 are provided with cam receptacles 41 that interlock with the respective cams 40 along the upper edge 12 a of each corresponding wall panel 3, in the manner heretofore described.

Referring next to FIGS. 1 and 1-14 of the drawings, in the roof 58 of the assembled panel structure 1, multiple edge roof panels 5 a (FIG. 12) form one edge of the roof 58, while multiple edge roof panels 5 b (FIG. 13) form the opposite edge of the roof 58. Multiple middle roof panels 5 c (FIG. 14) extend between each edge roof panel 5 a and each edge roof panel 5 b. Depending on the width of the panel structure 1, any number of middle roof panels 5 c can be inserted between each edge roof panel 5 a and each edge roof panel 5 b at the opposite edges of the roof 58 (two middle roof panels 5 c extending between each edge roof panel 5 a and each edge roof panel 5 b are shown in FIG. 1).

Referring next to FIGS. 1 and 10 of the drawings, the floor panels 2 a, 2 b and 2 c (FIG. 1) which are used to assemble the floor 56 of the panel structure 1 generally correspond in design to the edge roof panels 5 a, the edge roof panels 5 b and the middle roof panels 5 c, respectively, of the roof 58. Therefore, the edge floor panels 2 a, edge floor panels 2 b and middle floor panels 2 c (FIG. 1) are connected to each other in interlocking fashion to form the floor 56 in the same manner as the edge roof panels 5 a, edge roof panels 5 b and middle roof panels 5 c are assembled to form the roof 58, as was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 11-14. A finish coating 10 covers the casing panel 9 at both the upper surface 21 a (FIG. 10) and the lower surface 21 b of each edge floor panel 2 a, edge floor panel 2 b and middle floor panel 2 c. A blast-resistant armor 46, typically coated with a water-proof coating 47, is provided on the exterior edge 21 c (FIG. 10) of each edge floor panel 2 a and each edge floor panel 2 b. Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, the middle floor panels 2 c which lie at the respective ends of the floor 56 (FIG. 1) are each provided with cam receptacles 41 that interlock with the respective cams 40 along the lower edge 12 b (FIG. 2) of each wall panel 3. Also, the edge floor panels 2 a and edge floor panels 2 b which form the respective corners of the floor 56, are each provided with receiver frames 30 and cam receptacles 41 which interlock with the cams 40 provided along the lower edges 12 b of both of the perpendicularly-extending wall panels 3 at the corresponding corner of the walls 57.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the panel structure 1 is assembled by initially forming the floor 56. This is accomplished by individually connecting the edge floor panels 2 a to each other in an interlocking fashion along one edge of the floor 56 by interlocking the cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 which extends along the edge of one edge floor panel 2 a, with the respective cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 which extends along the facing edge of the adjacent edge floor panel 2 a, typically using a cam lock/unlock tool 42 as heretofore described with respect to interlocking of the wall panels 3 in FIGS. 6 and 7. The edge floor panels 2 b are in like manner connected to each other in an interlocking fashion along the opposite edge of the floor 56. The middle floor panels 2 c are likewise connected to the edge floor panels 2 a, the edge floor panels 2 b and each other, to complete the floor 56. In assembly of the floor 56, the hex opening 43 of each cam lock 38 is accessed using the cam lock/unlock tool 42 from above the floor 56. The respective corners of the assembled floor 56 may be supported above the ground by multiple support blocks 62 or a like support structure, as desired.

After the floor 56 is assembled, the wall 57 is assembled from the multiple wall panels 3. This is accomplished by initially interlocking the cams 40 which are spaced along the cam lock frames 14 that extend along the lower panel edges 12 b (FIG. 2) of the wall panels 3, with the respective cam receptacles 41 which are spaced along the receiver frames 30 that extend adjacent to the exterior edges 21 c (FIG. 10) of the edge floor panels 2 a, the edge floor panels 2 b and the middle floor panels 2 c. The cams 40 which are spaced along the cam lock frame 14 that extends along the first lateral panel edge 12 c (FIG. 2) of each wall panel 3 are then interlocked with the respective cam receptacles 41 which are spaced along the receiver frame 30 that extends along the second lateral panel edge 12 d of the adjacent wall panel 3. At each corner of the walls 57, the perpendicular wall panels 3 are attached to the corresponding corner section 50, typically in the manner which was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. In assembly of the wall 57, the hex opening 43 of each cam lock 38 is accessed using the cam lock/unlock tool 42 from inside the wall 57.

After the wall 57 is assembled on the floor 56, the edge roof panels 5 a, edge roof panels 5 b and middle roof panels 5 c are attached to each other to assemble the roof 58 on the wall 57. Accordingly, on one side of the panel structure 1, the cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 of each edge roof panel 5 a interlock with the respective cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 extending along the upper panel edges 12 a (FIG. 2) of adjacent wall panels 3 which form a segment of the wall 57 on that side of the panel structure 1. On the other side of the panel structure 1, the cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 of each edge roof panel 5 b interlock with the respective cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 extending along the upper panel edges 12 a of adjacent wall panels 3 which form a segment of the wall 57 on that side of the panel structure 1. The cams 40 on one of the middle roof panels 5 c interlock with the respective cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 a of the adjacent edge roof panel 5 a, and the cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 of each successive middle roof panel 5 c interlock with the cam receptacles 41 on the-companion receiver frame 30 of the preceding middle roof panel 5 c. At the opposite edge of the roof 58, the cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 of the terminal middle roof panel 5 c interlock with the respective cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 of the edge roof panel 5 b. Adjacent edge roof panels 5 a, adjacent edge roof panels 5 b and adjacent middle roof panels 5 c are attached to each other in a similar manner. The middle roof panels 5 c which lie at the respective ends of the roof 58 are likewise attached to each wall panel 3. In assembly of the roof 58, the hex opening 43 of each cam lock 38 is accessed using the cam lock/unlock tool 42 from beneath the roof 58.

The assembled panel structure 1 is capable of being used as a barracks and typically, to house and protect military personnel and/or supplies, for example, or may be used under any circumstances in which it is desired to protect personnel and/or supplies from explosives, gunfire, artillery rounds, projectiles and the like. The blast-resistant armor 46 provided on the various panels forms the exterior surfaces of the wall 57 and roof 58, as well as the exterior edges of the floor 56. Therefore, the panel structure 1 is resistant to penetration by gunfire, artillery rounds and projectiles and is also resistant to fire caused by explosives detonated outside the panel structure 1. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various panels which form the floor 56, wall 57 and roof 58 of the panel structure 1 interlock with each other in an airtight construction. This prevents the entry of airborne chemical or biological weapon agents into the panel structure 1. Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vertically-spaced fixture mount slots 26 which are provided in the cam lock frame 14 extending along the side edge 12 c of each wall panel 3 and face the interior of the panel structure 1, can be used to receive and mount shelves (not illustrated) or other modular furniture inside the panel structure 1 according to the needs of the occupants of the panel structure 1.

The panel structure 1 is disassembled, as needed, by disassembling the roof 58, the walls 57 and the floor 56, respectively, of the panel structure 1. This is accomplished by unlocking the cams 40 on each panel from the respective cam receptacles 41 of the adjacent interlocking panel using the cam lock/unlock tools 42 (FIGS. 6 and 7), in reverse sequence to the locking action which was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. The sealing gaskets 20 of each panel are then disengaged from the respective sealing slots 35 in the adjacent panel. The various floor, wall and ceiling panels can then be transported in a truck (not illustrated) or other vehicle and the panel structure 1 assembled at another location, as required.

Referring next to FIGS. 19-34 of the drawings, an alternative illustrative embodiment of a panel structure according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 101 in FIGS. 19-22. The panel structure 101 includes multiple floor panels 102 (FIGS. 21 and 22); wall panels 103; and roof panels 105, which are individually connected to each other in an interlocking fashion to form a floor 180 (FIG. 22), walls 181 and a roof 182 (FIG. 19), respectively, of the panel structure 101. The panel structure 101 is suitable for use as a temporary housing and/or storage facility to house personnel and/or supplies in any of a variety of civilian and military applications. One or multiple door panels 130, each fitted with a door 133, may be provided in the walls 181 and additionally interlock with the wall panels 103, the floor panels 102 and the roof panels 105. One or multiple window panels 140, each having a window frame 141 and a window 142 in the window frame 141, may be provided in the walls 181 and interlock with the wall panels 103 in the wall 181, the floor panels 102 in the floor 180 and the roof panels 105 in the roof 182. As further illustrated in FIG. 19, the assembled panel structure 101 may be supported above the ground (not illustrated) by multiple floor support beams 128 which are provided at spaced-apart intervals to each other along the length of the panel structure 101.

As further illustrated in FIG. 22, each floor panel 102 of the floor 180 typically has a generally elongated, rectangular configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, each floor panel 102 includes a structural insulated panel 8 which is sandwiched or interposed between a pair of spaced-apart casing panels 9. A finish coating 10 is typically provided on the casing panel 9 which corresponds to the interior of the panel structure 101, whereas a waterproof coating 106 is typically provided on the casing panel 9 which corresponds to the exterior of the panel structure 101. As illustrated in FIG. 22, each floor panel 102 typically includes a pair of connecting edges 102 a which are adapted for connection to connecting edges 102 a of adjacent floor panels 102, and a pair of wall edges 102 b which are adapted for connection to wall panels 103, door panels 130 and/or window panels 140 in the wall 181 of the assembled panel structure 101, as will be hereinafter described.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, a modified connecting block 11 a is provided between the extending edges of the casing panels 9 at the connecting edges 102 a of each floor panel 102. A typically extruded metal cam lock frame 14, having one or multiple cams 40, is provided in the modified connecting block 11 a which extends along one connecting edge 102 a. A typically extruded metal receiver frame 30, having one or multiple cam receptacles 41 which correspond in number and position to the respective cams 40 in the cam lock frame 14, is provided in the modified connecting block 11 a which extends along the other connecting edge 102 a of each floor panel 102. Accordingly, as further illustrated in FIG. 25, the cams 40 provided along the cam lock frame 14 on the connecting edge 102 a of one floor panel 102 interlock with the respective companion cam receptacles 41 provided along the receiver frame 30 of the connecting edge 102 a of the adjacent floor panel 102, to attach the floor panels 102 to each other in the floor 180 of the assembled panel structure 101. A generally “T”-shaped end cap 121 may be interposed between the abutting connecting edges 102 a of adjacent floor panels 102 in the floor 180 to provide a water-tight seal between the adjacent floor panels 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, a modified connecting block 11 b is attached to the structural insulated panel 8 and an extending edge of one of the casing panels 9 at the connecting edges 102 b of each floor panel 102. A receiver frame 30, having one or multiple cam receptacles 41, is provided on the modified connecting block 11 b which extends along both connecting edges 102 b. Each receiver frame 30 is disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to the plane of the floor panel 102. Accordingly, as further illustrated in FIG. 26, the cams 40 provided along a cam lock frame 14 on a floor edge 103 a of each wall panel 103, door panel 130 or window panel 140 interlock with the respective companion cam receptacles 41 provided along the receiver frame 30 of the wall edge 102 b of the underlying floor panel 102 to attach the walls 181 to the floor panels 102 in the assembled panel structure 101.

Each wall panel 103 of the walls 181 typically has a generally elongated, rectangular configuration and may have a construction which is similar to that of each of the wall panels 3 of the interlocking panel structure 1 which was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1-18. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 30, each wall panel 103 may include a structural insulated panel 8 which is sandwiched or interposed between a pair of spaced-apart casing panels 9. In the assembled panel structure 101, one casing panel 9 faces the interior and the other casing panel 9 faces the exterior of the panel structure 101. A connecting block 11 may extend between the casing panels 9, along the perimeter of the wall panel 103. Fasteners (not illustrated) may be used to secure the casing panels 9 to the connecting block 11.

As further illustrated in FIG. 19, each wall panel 103 typically includes a floor edge 103 a, a roof edge 103 b, a panel edge 103 c and a panel edge 103 d. As illustrated in FIG. 26, a cam lock frame 14 extends along the floor edge 103 a of each wall panel 103. As illustrated in FIG. 24, a cam lock frame 14 also extends along the roof edge 103 b of each wall panel 103. As illustrated in FIG. 30, a cam lock frame 14 extends along the panel edge 103 c, and a receiver frame 30 extends along the panel edge 103 d, of each wall panel 103. Each cam lock frame 14 and receiver frame 30 may have a construction which is the same as that of each cam lock frame 14 and receiver frame 30, respectively, of the interlocking panel structure 1 which was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1-18. Accordingly, in assembly of the panel structure 101, which will be hereinafter described, the cam lock frame 14 extending along the floor edge 103 a (FIG. 26) of each wall panel 103 facilitates attachment of each wall panel 103 to a floor panel 102, as was heretofore described with respect to FIG. 26; the cam lock frame 14 extending along the roof edge 103 b (FIG. 24) of each wall panel 103 facilitates attachment of each wall panel 103 to a roof panel 105; and the cam lock frame 14 and receiver frame 30 extending along the panel edge 103 c and the panel edge 103 d, respectively, of each wall panel 103 facilitate attachment of the adjacent wall panels 103 to each other. At the corners formed by the walls 181 of the panel structure 101, the wall panels 103 are adapted for interlocking attachment to a corner section 50, as illustrated in FIG. 29, which corner section 50 may have the same design as the corner section 50 of the typically bullet-resistant interlocking panel structure 1 heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1-18. As further illustrated in FIG. 30, a finish coating 10 of selected material may be applied to the interior casing panel 9 of each wall panel 103 and a waterproof coating 106 of selected material may be applied to the exterior-casing panel 9 of each wall panel 103.

As illustrated in FIGS. 31-33 of the drawings, a wiring frame 150 may be provided on the interior surface and along the perimeter of each wall panel 103. Electrical wiring 151 (shown in phantom) may extend through and along the wiring frame 150 of each wall panel 103. At least one electrical outlet 152 may be provided on the interior surface of each wall panel 103, such as on the wiring frame 50, and connected to the electrical wiring 151. As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 33, one or multiple electrical transfer sockets 156 may be provided on the interior surface of each wall panel 103, such as adjacent to a top edge of each wall panel 103 on the wiring frame 150, as illustrated. The electrical wiring 151 of each wall panel 103 is connected to the electrical transfer sockets 156 and the electrical outlets 152 on the wall panel 103. Transfer wiring 157 may connect the electrical wiring 151 of adjacent wall panels 103 to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the transfer wiring 157 may be provided with transfer wiring plugs 158 on the respective ends thereof for detachable insertion in the electrical transfer sockets 156 of adjacent interlocking wall panels 103. In the assembled panel structure 101, electrical supply wiring (not illustrated) can be used to connect the electrical wiring 151 of a wall panel 103 to an external electrical supply source such as a generator (not illustrated), according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The transfer wiring 157 transfers the electrical power from one wall panel 103 to an adjacent wall panel 103, thereby providing a supply of electrical power to the electrical outlets 152 of each wall panel 103.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, a panel connector socket 160 may be provided on the wiring frame 150 of each wall panel 103, typically adjacent to each bottom corner of the wall panels 103. As illustrated in FIG. 33, multiple shelf mount slots 164 may be provided in a vertical segment of each wiring frame 150 to facilitate the attachment of shelf clips and shelves (not illustrated) to the walls 181 inside the assembled panel structure 101. An interior panel connector 161 may be adapted to threadably or otherwise detachably engage the panel connector sockets 160 on adjacent wall panels 103 to additionally connect the electrical wiring 151 and the wall panels 103 to each other and impart additional stability to the walls 181 of the assembled panel structure 101.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, each door panel 130 typically includes a generally elongated, rectangular door panel frame 131. A pair of spaced-apart casing panels 9 typically extends outwardly from the door panel frame 131. A connecting block 11 is typically provided between the casing panels 9 and, with the casing panels 9, forms the top and sides of the door panel 130. A door opening 132 extends through the door panel frame 131. At least one hinge 134 pivotally attaches the door 133 to the door panel frame 131, such that the door 133 is pivotal between the open position illustrated in FIG. 27 and a closed position to facilitate opening and closing of the door opening 132. As further illustrated in FIG. 27, the door panel 130 has a pair of panel side edges 130 a (one of which is illustrated). A receiver frame 30, having one or multiple, spaced-apart cam receptacles 41, is provided on one panel side edge 130 a of each door panel 130 for interlocking with the respective companion cams 40 provided on the panel edge 103 c of an adjacent wall panel 103, as illustrated. Although not illustrated in FIG. 27, a cam lock frame 14, having multiple cams 40, is provided on the opposite panel side edge 130 a of the door panel 130 for interlocking with respective cam receptacles 41 of a receiver frame 30 provided on a panel edge 103 d of the other adjacent wall panel 103. A floor edge (not illustrated) of each door panel 130 may have the same construction as the floor edge 103 a (FIG. 26) of each wall panel 103, having a cam lock frame 14 adapted to interlock with the receiver frame 30 provided along the wall edges 102 b of each floor panel 102, as was heretofore described with respect to FIG. 26. Moreover, a roof edge (not illustrated) of each door panel 130 may have the same construction as the roof edge 103 b (FIG. 24) of each wall panel 103, having a cam lock frame 14 which is adapted to interlock with a modified receiver frame 30 a provided adjacent to a wall edge 105 a of each roof panel 105, as will be hereinafter further described.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, each window panel 140 may have a construction which is similar to that of each wall panel 103, having a structural insulated panel 8 interposed between a pair of spaced-apart casing panels 9 and a connecting block 11 interposed between the extending edges of the casing panels 9 around the perimeter of the window panel 140. As further illustrated in FIG. 28, a window frame 141 is provided in the window panel 140 and typically extends through a frame opening (not illustrated) which extends through the casing panels 9 and structural insulated panel 11 of the window panel 140. Therefore, the structural insulated panel 8 may be omitted from that portion of each window panel 140 between the window frame 141 and the connecting block 11. The window panel 140 may have a generally elongated, rectangular shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, or may have any desired alternative shape. A window 142 is seated in the window frame 141. As further illustrated in FIG. 28, each window panel 140 has a pair of side panel edges 140 a (one of which is shown). A receiver frame 30 having multiple, spaced-apart cam receptacles 41 is provided on one side panel edge 140 a of the window panel 140. The cam receptacles 41 are adapted to interlock with the respective companion cams 40 provided on a cam lock frame 14 on the panel edge 103 c of one adjacent wall panel 103. Although not illustrated in FIG. 28, a cam lock frame 14, having multiple cams 40, is provided along the opposite side panel edge 140 a of the window panel 140. The cams 40 interlock with respective companion cam receptacles 41 provided on a receiver frame 30 on the panel edge 103 d of the other adjacent wall panel 103. A floor edge (not illustrated) of each window panel 140 may have the same construction as the floor edge 103 a (FIG. 26) of each wall panel 103, having a cam lock frame 14 adapted to interlock with the receiver frame 30 provided along the wall edges 102 b of each floor panel 102, as was heretofore described with respect to FIG. 26. Moreover, a roof edge (not illustrated) of each window panel 140 may have the same construction as the roof edge 103 b (FIG. 24) of each wall panel 103, having a cam lock frame 14 which is adapted to interlock with a modified receiver frame 30 a provided adjacent to a wall edge 105 a of each roof panel 105, as will be hereinafter described. Each door panel 130 and window panel 140 may typically be fitted with the wiring frame 150, electrical wiring 151, electrical outlets 152, electrical transfer sockets 156, transfer wiring 157, panel connector sockets 160 and interior panel connectors 161, typically in the same manner as was heretofore described with respect to the wall panels 103 in FIGS. 31-33.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each roof panel 105 of the roof 182 typically has a generally elongated, rectangular configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, each roof panel 105 typically includes a structural insulated panel 8 which is sandwiched or interposed between a pair of spaced-apart casing panels 9. The edges of each casing panel 9 typically extend beyond the respective edges of the structural insulated panel 8. A connecting block 11 is provided between the extending edges of the casing panels 9, around the perimeter of the roof panel 105. Fasteners (not illustrated) may attach the structural insulated panels 8, the casing panels 9 and the connecting block 11 to each other in each roof panel 105. A finish coating 10 of selected material may be applied to an interior casing panel 9, and a waterproof coating 106 of selected material may be applied to an exterior casing panel 9, of each roof panel 105.

Each roof panel 105 includes a wall edge 105 a (FIG. 24), a pitch edge 105 b (FIG. 23), and opposite panel edges 105 c and 105 d (FIG. 19). In the roof 182 of the assembled panel structure 101, the wall edge 105 a of each roof panel 105 faces the exterior, as illustrated in FIG. 19, while the pitch edge 105 b of each roof panel 105 faces the pitch edge 105 b of a roof panel 105 on the opposite side of the roof 182, as illustrated in FIG. 23. As illustrated in FIG. 24, a typically extruded metal modified receiver frame 30 a is provided on the bottom surface of each roof panel 105, adjacent to the wall edge 105 a thereof. The modified receiver frame 30 a may have generally the same construction as the receiver frame 30 on the wall panels 3 which were heretofore described with respect to the interlocking panel structure 1 of FIGS. 1-18. At least one cam receptacle 41 is provided in the modified receiver frame 30 a for interlocking with a companion cam or cams 40 provided in a cam lock frame 14 on the roof edge 103 b of a wall panel 103, a door panel 130 (FIG. 19) or a window panel 140 (FIG. 19) in assembly of the panel structure 101, which will be hereinafter described. As illustrated in FIG. 35, a cam lock frame 14 having one or multiple, spaced-apart cams 40 is provided along the panel edge 105 c of each roof panel 105. A receiver frame 30 having one or multiple, spaced-apart cam receptacles 41 which correspond in number and position to the respective cams 40 on the panel edge 105 c, is provided along the panel edge 105 d of each roof panel 105. In assembly of the panel structure 101, the cams 40 on the panel edge 105 c of each roof panel 105 interlock with the respective cam receptacles 41 on the panel edge 105 d of the adjacent roof panel 105 to secure the roof panels 105 to each other in the roof 182.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 23, in the assembled panel structure 101, a roof assembly bracket 108 secures the roof panels 105 to each other at the pitch of the roof 182. The roof assembly bracket 108 typically extends the length of the panel structure 101. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the roof assembly bracket 108 may include a pair of elongated, connected top bracket flanges 109, disposed at a typically obtuse angle with respect to each other along the length of the roof assembly bracket 108. The angle of the top bracket flanges 109 with respect to each other defines the pitch angle of the roof 182. A bracket septum 111 extends downwardly from the junction between the top bracket flanges 109. A pair of bottom bracket flanges 110 extends outwardly from the lower end of the bracket septum 111, at a typically obtuse angle with respect to each other. Each bottom bracket flange 110 is disposed in generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship to the top bracket flange 109 on the corresponding side of the bracket septum 111. Accordingly, as further illustrated in FIG. 23, in assembly of the roof 182 on the panel structure 101, the pitch edge 105 b of each roof panel 105 is inserted in the space between the top bracket flange 109 and the bottom bracket flange 110 on a corresponding side of the bracket septum 111. The cam lock frame 14 and receiver frame 30 may be omitted from the edge of each roof panel 105 which is positioned at an end of the roof 182.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21, 23 and 25 of the drawings, in the assembled panel structure 101, one or multiple roof support columns 124 may provide additional roof support at the pitch of the roof 182 above the floor 180. A support column base 125 may be provided on the bottom end of each roof support column 124 to support the roof support column 124 on the floor 180. The roof panels 105 of the roof 182 are attached to the support columns 124 using any suitable attachment structure. An example of an attachment structure which is suitable for the purpose is illustrated in FIG. 23, in which wall flanges 112 extend downwardly from the bottom surfaces of the respective bottom bracket flanges 110 of the typically extruded metal roof assembly bracket 108. An elongated roof support beam 114 is inserted between the wall flanges 112 and column flanges 115 extend from the bottom surface of the roof support beam 114 and receive the upper end of the roof support beam 124. Accordingly, the support column or columns 124, in combination with the roof support beam 114, provide additional support to the center or pitch of the roof 182 in the larger ones of the assembled panel structure 101.

The panel structure 101 is assembled by initially assembling the floor 180. This is accomplished by connecting adjacent floor panels 102 to each other along the connecting edges 102 a of each. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 provided along one connecting edge 102 a of one floor panel 102 engage the respective cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 provided along the other connecting edge 102 a of an adjacent floor panel 102, in interlocking relationship. The connected floor panels 102 of the assembled floor 180 may typically be supported above the ground (not illustrated) on multiple floor support beams 128 which typically extend across the transverse dimension of the floor 180, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

The walls 181 of the panel structure 101 are assembled on the floor 180 as illustrated in FIG. 26, typically by causing engagement of the cams 40 provided along the cam lock frame 14 on the floor edge 103 a of each wall panel 103 with the respective cam receptacles 41 provided along the receiver frame 30 on the modified connecting block 11 b at the wall edge 102 b of each floor panel 102. The door panels 130 and window panels 140 are attached to the floor panels 102 typically in similar fashion. As illustrated in FIG. 30, adjacent wall panels 103 are attached to each other by interlocking the cams 40 on a cam lock frame 14 provided along the panel edge 103 c of one wall panel 103 with the respective cam receptacles 41 on a receiver frame 30 provided along the panel edge 103 d of an adjacent wall panel 103. As illustrated in FIG. 29, at the corners of the walls 181, a first wall panel 103 is attached to a corner section 50 by interlocking multiple cams 40 on a cam lock frame 14 provided along one side of the corner section 50 with respective cam receptacles 41 on a receiver frame 30 provided along a panel edge 103 d of the wall panel 103. A second wall panel 103 is attached to the corner section 50 by interlocking multiple cams 40 on a cam lock frame 14 provided along a panel edge 103 c of the wall panel 103 with respective cam receptacles 41 on a receiver frame 30 provided along the other side of the corner section 50.

As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, interior panel connectors 161 may be attached to the panel connector sockets 160 on adjacent wall panels 103 to additionally attach the adjacent wall panels 103 to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the transfer wiring 157 may be used to electrically connect the electrical wiring 151 of each wall panel 103 to the electrical wiring 151 of the adjacent wall panel 103. Accordingly, the transfer wiring plugs 158 provided on the respective ends of the transfer wiring 157 are inserted in the electrical transfer sockets 156 provided in the respective wall panels 103, as heretofore described.

The roof 182 of the panel structure 101 (FIG. 19) is assembled on the assembled wall 181. As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, this is accomplished typically by attaching the wall edge 105 a of each roof panel 105 to the roof edge 103 b of each wall panel 103, door panel 130 and window panel 140. This is accomplished typically as illustrated in FIG. 24, by interlocking the cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 which is provided along the roof edge 103 b of each wall panel 103, door panel 130 or window panel 140 with the respective cam receptacles 41 on the modified receiver frame 30 a provided adjacent to the wall edge 105 a of each corresponding roof panel 105. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the pitch edge 105 b of each roof panel 105 is inserted between the top bracket flange 109 and the bottom bracket flange 110 on each corresponding side of the roof assembly bracket 108. The roof bracket 108 is supported above the floor 180 by placing the support column base 125 of each support column 124 on the floor 180; lowering the column flanges 115 of the roof support beam 114 on respective sides of the support column 124 until the roof support beam 114 rests on the upper end of the support column 124; and lowering the wall flanges 112 of the roof assembly bracket 108 on respective sides of the roof support beam 114 until the roof assembly bracket 108 rests on the roof support beam 114. As illustrated in FIG. 35, adjacent roof panels 105 are attached to each other by interlocking the cams 40 on the cam lock frame 14 provided along the panel edge 105 c of one roof panel 105 with the respective cam receptacles 41 on the receiver frame 30 provided along the panel edge 105 d of the adjacent roof panel 105. The exterior side edge of each roof panel 105 which is located at respective ends of the roof 182 typically lacks a cam lock frame 14 or a receiver frame 30. The electrical wiring 151 (FIGS. 31-33) may be connected to an external source (not illustrated) of electrical power, according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art, to provide electrical power to the electrical outlets 152 on each wall panel 103, door panel 130 and window panel 140. Disassembly of the panel structure 101 is accomplished by disassembling the roof 182, walls 181 and floor 180, respectively, typically by reversing the steps which were outlined herein above.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, various furnishings, the number and type of which depends on the particular intended use of the panel structure 101, may be contained or installed in the structure interior 170 of the panel structure 101, which is shown in FIG. 34 with the roof 182 omitted. For example, the panel structure 101 may be used to house personnel (not shown) in military, commercial or other applications. In that case, multiple storage cabinets 174 of selected design may be provided in the structure interior 170, against opposite surfaces of the interior walls 181. Bunk beds 175 may be provided between the storage cabinets 174. Persons can sleep on the bunk beds 175 and store personal belongings and the like in the storage cabinets 174. Electrical devices (not illustrated), such as television sets and the like, may be plugged into the electrical outlets 152 (FIG. 31) provided on the wiring frame 150 of each wall panel 103 for electrical access.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cam lock frames 14 and cams 40 are interchangeable with the receiver frames 30 and cam receptacles 41 wherever those elements are located on the various floor panels, wall panels and roof panels of the panel structure 1 or panel structure 101, and that the relative locations of those elements on the various panels are not limited by the foregoing description. Furthermore, it will be understood that each of the floor panels, wall panels and roof panels need not necessarily have both a cam lock frame 14 and a receiver frame 30 to facilitate interlocking of the panels to each other in assembly of the panel structure 1 or panel structure 101. For example, some of the panels may have only a cam lock frame or frames 14 and other panels only a receiver frame or frames 30 which interlock with the companion cam lock frames 14 or receiver frames 30 on the adjacent panels.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. a panel structure comprising: a plurality of panels; at least one cam receptacle carried by first selected ones of said plurality of panels; and a cam lock frame carried by second selected ones of said plurality of panels and at least one cam provided in said cam lock frame for interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle, respectively, carried by an adjacent one of said plurality of panels.
 2. The panel structure of claim 1 wherein said at least one cam receptacle and said cam lock frame are carried by each of said plurality of panels and said plurality of panels comprises a plurality of floor panels, a plurality of wall panels and a plurality of roof panels defining a floor, a wall and a roof, respectively, of said panel structure.
 3. The panel structure of claim 2 comprising a roof assembly bracket and wherein said plurality of roof panels is carried by said roof assembly bracket.
 4. The panel structure of claim 3 wherein said roof assembly bracket comprises a pair of top bracket flanges, a pair of bottom bracket flanges carried by said pair of top bracket flanges, and wherein said plurality of roof panels is inserted between said pair of top bracket flanges and said pair of bottom bracket flanges.
 5. The panel structure of claim 4 comprising at least one support column extending between said floor and said roof assembly bracket.
 6. The panel structure of claim 5 comprising a roof support beam carried by said at least one support column and wherein said roof assembly bracket is carried by said roof support beam.
 7. The panel structure of claim 1 comprising a blast-resistant armor carried by at least a portion of said plurality of panels.
 8. The panel structure of claim 1 comprising at least one sealing slot carried by each of said first selected ones of said plurality of panels adjacent to said at least one cam receptacle and at least one sealing gasket carried by each of said second selected ones of said plurality of panels adjacent to said at least one cam.
 9. The panel structure of claim 8 wherein said at least one sealing slot comprises a pair of sealing slots carried by each of said first selected ones of said plurality of panels on respective sides of said at least one cam receptacle and said at least one sealing gasket comprises a pair of sealing gaskets carried by each of said second selected ones of said plurality of panels on respective sides of said at least one cam.
 10. The panel structure of claim 1 comprising a receiver frame carried by said first selected ones of said plurality of panels and wherein said at least one cam receptacle is carried by said receiver frame.
 11. The panel structure of claim 10 comprising a blast-resistant armor carried by at least a portion of said plurality of panels and at least one sealing gasket disposed between said receiver frame and said cam lock frame.
 12. The panel structure of claim 2 comprising a receiver frame carried by said first selected ones of said plurality of panels and wherein said at least one cam receptacle is carried by said receiver frame, a blast-resistant armor carried by at least a portion of said plurality of panels and comprising at least one sealing gasket disposed between said receiver frame and said cam lock frame, respectively.
 13. A panel structure comprising: a plurality of panels; at least one receiver frame carried by each of at least a portion of said plurality of panels; a plurality of cam receptacles carried by said at least one receiver frame; at least one cam lock frame carried by each of at least a portion of said plurality of panels; and a plurality of cams carried by said at least one cam lock frame and interlocking with said plurality of cam receptacles, respectively, carried by an adjacent one of said plurality of panels.
 14. The panel structure of claim 13 comprising a blast-resistant armor carried by selected ones of said plurality of panels.
 15. The panel structure of claim 13 wherein said plurality of panels comprises a plurality of floor panels, a plurality of wall panels and a plurality of roof panels defining a floor, a wall and a roof, respectively, of said panel structure.
 16. The panel structure of claim 15 comprising a plurality of corner sections, each interlocking with a pair of said plurality of wall panels.
 17. The panel structure of claim 5 comprising blast-resistant armor provided on at least said wall panels and said roof panels and at least one sealing gasket disposed between said receiver frame and said cam lock frame.
 18. A panel structure comprising: a plurality of floor panels, a plurality of wall panels and a plurality of roof panels each having a first edge and a second edge; at least one cam carried by said first edge of each of said plurality of floor panels, said plurality of wall panels and said plurality of roof panels; at least one cam receptacle carried by said second edge of each of said plurality of floor panels, said plurality of wall panels and said plurality of roof panels; wherein said at least one cam carried by said first edge of each of said plurality of floor panels interlocks with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said second edge of an adjacent one of said plurality of floor panels, said at least one cam carried by said first edge of each of said plurality of wall panels interlocks with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said second edge of an adjacent one of said plurality of wall panels and said at least one cam carried by said first edge of each of said plurality of roof panels interlocks with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said second edge of an adjacent one of said plurality of roof panels; and a floor defined by said plurality of floor panels, a wall defined by said plurality of wall panels and carried by said floor and a roof defined by said plurality of roof panels and carried by said wall.
 19. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising a wiring frame carried by each of said plurality of wall panels, electrical wiring provided in said wiring frame and at least one electrical outlet carried by said wiring frame and connected to said electrical wiring.
 20. The panel structure of claim 19 comprising at least one electrical transfer socket provided on said wiring frame and transfer wiring connecting said electrical transfer socket of one of said plurality of wall panels to said at least one electrical transfer socket of an adjacent one of said plurality of wall panels.
 21. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising a panel connector socket carried by each of said plurality of wall panels and an interior panel connector connecting said panel connector of one of said plurality of wall panels to said panel connector socket of an adjacent one of said plurality of wall panels.
 22. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising a waterproof coating provided on each of said plurality of floor panels, said plurality of wall panels and said plurality of roof panels.
 23. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising a plurality of corner sections, each interlocking with a pair of said plurality of wall panels in said wall.
 24. The panel structure of claim 23 wherein each of said plurality of corner sections comprises a first corner edge and a second corner edge and comprising at least one cam receptacle provided on said first corner edge and interlocking with said at least one cam carried by said first edge of a first one of said plurality of wall panels and at least one cam provided on said second corner edge and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said second edge of a second one of said plurality of wall panels.
 25. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising at least one door panel having first and second edges, at least one cam provided on said first edge of said at least one door panel and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle of one of said plurality of wall panels and at least one cam receptacle provided on said second edge of said at least one door panel and interlocking with said at least one cam of another of said plurality of wall panels in said wall.
 26. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising at least one window panel having first and second edges, at least one cam provided on said first edge of said at least one window panel and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle of one of said plurality of wall panels and at least one cam receptacle provided on said second edge of said at least one window panel and interlocking with said at least one cam of another of said plurality of wall panels in said wall.
 27. The panel structure of claim 18 wherein each of said plurality of floor panels comprises third and fourth edges and at least one cam receptacle carried by said third edge and at least one cam receptacle carried by said fourth edge, and wherein each of said plurality of wall panels comprises a floor edge and at least one cam carried by said floor edge and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle carried by one of said third edge and said fourth edge of said each of said plurality of floor panels.
 28. The panel structure of claim 18 wherein each of said plurality of roof panels comprises a wall edge and at least one cam receptacle carried by said wall edge, and wherein each of said plurality of wall panels comprises a roof edge and at least one cam carried by said roof edge and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said wall edge of said each of said plurality of roof panels.
 29. The panel structure of claim 18 comprising a blast-resistant armor provided on at least said wall panels and said roof panels.
 30. The panel structure of claim 29 comprising a waterproof coating provided on each of said plurality of floor panels, said plurality of wall panels and said plurality of roof panels.
 31. The panel structure of claim 29 comprising a plurality of corner sections, each interlocking with a pair of said plurality of wall panels in said wall.
 32. The panel structure of claim 31 wherein each of said plurality of corner sections comprises first and second corner edges and comprising at least one cam receptacle provided on said first corner edge and interlocking with said at least one cam carried by said first edge of a first one of said plurality of wall panels and at least one cam provided on said second corner edge and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said second edge of a second one of said plurality of wall panels.
 33. The panel of claim 32 comprising: (a) at least one door panel having first and second edges, at least one cam provided on said first edge of said at least one door panel and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle of one of said plurality of wall panels and at least one cam receptacle provided on said second edge of said at least one door panel and interlocking with said at least one cam of another of said plurality of wall panels in said wall; and (b) at least one window panel having first and second edges, at least one cam provided on said first edge of said at least one window panel and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle of one of said plurality of wall panels and at least one cam receptacle provided on said second edge of said at least one window panel and interlocking with said at least one cam of another of said plurality of wall panels in said wall.
 34. The panel structure of claim 32 wherein each of said plurality of floor panels comprises third and fourth edges and at least one cam receptacle carried by said third edge and at least one cam receptacle carried by said fourth edge, and wherein each of said plurality of wall panels comprises a floor edge and at least one cam carried by said floor edge and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle carried by one of said third edge and said fourth edge of said each of said plurality of floor panels.
 35. The panel structure of claim 34 wherein each of said plurality of roof panels comprises a wall edge and at least one cam receptacle carried by said wall edge, and wherein each of said plurality of wall panels comprises a roof edge and at least one cam carried by said roof edge and interlocking with said at least one cam receptacle carried by said wall edge of said each of said plurality of roof panels. 